THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is working with the Department of Energy (DOE) to set boundaries on which lands can be used for solar energy projects and which must be preserved for food production.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has proposed geofencing around 3 million hectares of flat agricultural land — specifically areas primarily used for rice cultivation — to protect vital farmlands as the country accelerates its transition to renewable energy.
The proposal was said to have stemmed from recent discussions with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on how to expand solar energy capacity without taking over farmlands needed for food production.
Under the proposal, the DA will create a digital map and establish geographical boundaries around priority agricultural areas. This will provide energy developers with a clearer guide as to where projects should not be built while also helping to identify locations suitable for renewable energy investments without compromising food production.
“We need energy security, but it cannot come at the cost of food security,” Tiu Laurel said.
“The country must be able to keep the lights on without putting at risk the lands that keep food on Filipino tables,” he added.
The DA will identify between 1,000 and 2,000 priority agricultural areas and cross-check these against existing and awarded energy projects to prevent conflicts and overlaps.
The DOE has been asked to provide a list of ongoing and awarded projects so regional agriculture officials can distinguish approved developments from proposals still under evaluation.
The DA said it is pushing for the renewable energy transition to deliver direct benefits to farmers and fisherfolk, particularly through lower electricity costs.
Officials discussed possible mechanisms that could connect renewable energy suppliers and qualified agriculture stakeholders under the Green Energy Auction and Green Energy Option (GEO) programs and the Retail Competition and Open Access framework.
The DA said potential beneficiaries would include irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, rice mills, cold storage plants, slaughterhouses, farms, fishponds, and other food production operations where electricity costs can significantly affect production expenses.
The DOE, meanwhile, was said to be examining how renewable energy suppliers and distribution utilities could participate in the arrangement.
The DA and DOE are also discussing with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) whether savings under the GEO — a program that allows qualified energy users to source electricity from renewable energy suppliers — could eventually be reflected in power rates for agricultural stakeholders.
Agriculture Undersecretary Roger Navarro and Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevarra have been tasked to develop a farm-to-energy framework with the ERC to explore ways organized farmers and fisherfolk can benefit from renewable energy.
“The framework will help proponents under the agricultural energy category lower electricity costs, generate savings, and strengthen incomes across the sector,” Navarro said.
The two agencies are eyeing to sign a memorandum of agreement next month to formalize their partnership.
“Our goal now, the DOE and the DA, is to ensure that both these pressing needs of Filipinos are addressed in a way that benefits the country without sacrificing one for the other,” Tiu Laurel said.
